Sovereign Hill, Ballarat | Family Friendly Day Trip From Melbourne

Step back in time to the Goldrush days in Ballarat at Sovereign Hill, Melbourne’s most amazing outdoor museum. Just a couple of hours from Melbourne centre, Sovereign Hill provides a full day of family entertainment and a unique historical Australian experience.

Sovereign Hill

Sovereign Hill brings to life the excitement of the gold rush in the 1850’s. As soon as you go through the entrance, you are immersed in an iconic piece of history. This town is a recreation of the first ten years after the discovery of gold, when thousands of international travellers rushed to the goldfields in search of getting lucky and finding their fortune.

Costumed staff will meet and greet and post for photos, and you can discover recreated buildings filled with antiques, machinery, and everything you can think of that would exist back in the “olden days”.

Sovereign Hill Attractions

By far the most popular thing to do at Sovereign Hill is pan for gold which is yours to keep! Yes, there is real gold to be found so try your luck digging and panning for a gold nugget.

Panning for Gold at Sovereign Hill

Panning for Gold at Sovereign Hill

Venture underground on a guided gold mine tour and learn about the history of the first gold nugget found in Ballarat. Catch a horse-drawn coach and tour the town.

The main street is lined with shops. Take a stroll through and explore what homes looked like way back in the 1850’s. View a show at the Victorian Theatre or visit an old school and write calligraphy with pen and ink. Take the kids to the old bowling alley or make wax candles from scratch.

Sovereign Hill

Victorian Theater

Local sweets

Horse and Carriage

Don’t forget to check out the New York Bakery, and especially the lolly shops where you can try some delicious sweets including the famous raspberry drops and see how they are made.

Details:

Where:
Bradshaw Street, Golden Point. Ballarat

Opening Times:Sovereign Hill: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm every day except Christmas Day.
During daylight saving, Sovereign Hill is open until 5.30 pm.

Gold Museum: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm every day except Christmas Day.
During daylight saving, the Gold Museum is open until 6 pm.

Your entry to Sovereign Hill Open Air Museum also includes the Gold Museum.

Accommodation at Sovereign Hill

If you are looking for more than a day trip, there is excellent accommodation available on site at the Sovereign Hill Hotel. There are family rooms available with include breakfast.

There are also various other hotels in and around Ballarat, just a short distance from Sovereign Hill.

Special Mentions

You are walking through dirt roads, so bring comfortable shoes, and in Winter or rainy days, the kids will probably best in gumboots or water proof shoes as it can get wet and muddy, especially when panning for gold.

A great time to go is when Sovereign Hill have their Christmas in July Winter Wonderlights Event. Walk through the streets while it snows (the faux kind) and meet santa clause in the day, and watch the streets light up in the evening in a spectacular event!